January 25, 2014

Cuban knew Kidd would get the Nets turned around

BROOKLYN -- Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban had no doubts Jason Kidd would eventually get the Brooklyn Nets turned around.

The Nets are only 19-22 after Friday's 107-106 win over the Mavs. But they are 9-1 since Jan. 1 and are the hottest team in the NBA during that span.

"J-Kidd, he’s always been opinionated, he's always known the game, he's always been intensed, he's always been willing to work hard,'' Cuban said. "So those are all key ingredients.''

Kidd is in his first season as a head coach. And when the Nets got off to a horrible 10-21 start, Cuban was there with some positive words for the coach who, as a player, helped the Mavs capture the 2011 NBA title.

"We e-mailed back-and-forth,'' Cuban said. "When they were struggling I sent him words of encouragement and gave him some insights on how I thought to deal with you (media) guys, so we’ve got a great relationship.''

Cuban believes the close relationship Kidd had with Mavs coach Rick Carlisle is paying dividends for the Nets right now.

"I think Rick's probably one of the two or three best (coaches) in the game at in-game adjustments and play-calling,'' Cuban said. "And I'm sure (Kidd) picked up more than a few pointers when he played for Rick.''